Hooniverse

Matt Farah of The Smoking Tire stepped off the catamaran and onto our podcast the other day. Our conversation took a meandering course starting with the premise that real luxury is going to mean "handmade." We talked about Matt's Boxster Spyder and Meyers Manx before taking a tack into sailing dinghies on Long Island Sound and the benefits of catamaran tourism. There's a lot of reminiscing from the older fellas, and you might remember the automotive enthusiast web of 2008, too. Come aboard for this shipshape hour!

It's the perfect follow-up to last week's Vault episode with Jonny Lieberman. Ross spent a week with the gas-powered 2026 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack, which was a hot topic when they talked last August, too. In addition to the driving impressions, we talk about the state of the industry amid an absolute storm of fast-moving events. EVs may be dead. Or they may be ready for greatness. Give it a listen and let us know what we got right and where we struck out. See you in a week!

Like a forgotten board tape from a Grateful Dead show (did Ithaca '77 ever actually happen?) this episode got lost under the seat of the digital Microbus that drives the Hooniverse. Jonny Lieberman joined Ross in August 2025 for a wide-ranging conversation that covered his fledgling Youtube channel Driving With Jonny, the ICE-powered Dodge Charger, wristwatches for all you horologists, and finished up with the Bugatti Mistral and Lamborghini Diablo GT. We'll get Jonny back on soon for a fresh update - drop your thoughts and questions in the comments.

Vaughn Gittin Jr. joins the Hooniverse Podcast to talk about the latest with RTR, and it's a lot. We talk about: Restoring his original S13 and 2005 Mustang drift carsFactory Mustang RTR and Bronco RTR models straight from FordRTR Spec models and what it takes to build out a specialist manufacturing operation.  And we finish up with a solid discussion of this year's King of the Hammers experience. Check it out, tell your friends! And let us know which RTR Spec vehicle you'd grab. (Spec 5 for me - DR) 

Have you ever spotted a prototype or test mule in the wild? Ross ran into the Porsche Cayenne EV on a California canyon road. Not literally. Dan and Ross talk about the encounter that seemed to spook the Porsche drivers, and then move on to the GMC Yukon Denali and finishing with some project Lexus GX and four-wheeling updates.

It all started with a Buick GNX. Dan and Ross catch up in this episode inspired by Hooniverse editorial chatter. And we branch off from there to talk about how nostalgia isn't harmless. While in California, Ross saw a Porsche Cayenne EV test mule up-close while it was in the care of some very shy engineers. Driving impressions include the BMW i7 M70 and Cadillac Lyriq-V.

Dan and Ross chat with Jack and Mark from Savagegeese about their comparison test of the ultra-high performance Corvette ZR1, Mustang GTD, and 911 GT3RS

It was going so well, until that glitch. While the show is cut short, there's still an hour of Ross and Dan talking about project car updates, a couple of things that caught our interest while SEMA news was dropping, and the outlook for EVs. PLUS! we tease the guest for our next episode (their name starts with "S" and rhymes with "savagegeese." That's right, we'll be talking about their three-car test between the hottest Mustang, 911, and Corvette models next time.

On the latest episode of the Hooniverse Podcast, XPEL’s James Melfi and Steve Janisse join to talk PPF and more than you ever thought you wanted to know about window tint films, the technical details and engineering that goes into them, and of course, what the crew is driving and some recent news items. There’s never a shortage of opinions, and you’ll get smart about PPF; talk about a win-win!Check it out now!

Ross catches up with Patrick Costello, showrunner of the re-booted Ice Road Truckers series

Ross, Chris, and Kamil are back with Episode 374. Recorded in July and then slow walked (by...you know who you are); it's ready for your ear holes. Adventures, off-roading, hauling with a Wagoneer, Ginetta racing, and is that rear slider powered or non powered?

Our brief hiatus is over! Ross Ballot, Chris Tracy, and Kamil Kaluski introduce some format changes for Hooniverse Podcast 373

Like a project car on blocks, sometimes it takes longer than you'd expect to get rolling again. Here's our first episode of 2025, and we start it off with guest Doug DeMuro to talk about the enthusiast and new car market and some favorite recent drives. It's a conversation that takes a lot of twists and turns, but is never boring. Listen now! Patternicity video clip from Niles Heckman used with permission

Here's a snack for your ears. We've packaged all the intros since our relaunch into a single episode. We’re proud of our new format, and we think you’ll like this treat. Full show links are below. We’ll be back soon with the first Hooniverse Podcast episode of 2025. Sounds Great, Still Filling? Welcome to the new Hooniverse Podcast! Hooniverse Podcast Episode 367: You Could Just Not Hooniverse Podcast 368: Gravity Bends Light Don’t Shoot the Cat – Hooniverse Podcast 369 Gratitude – Hooniverse Podcast 370

Nobody in Boston had heard from Halifax for much too long.  Something was wrong up there. And it was bad. It was a traffic accident with a two-mile blast radius. Roads were impassable. Railways were twisted. People resorted to digging with their hands to get to trapped victims. And that night, a blizzard buried the city in two feet of snow.  And it was the event that began a yearly tradition of gratitude.

Short circuit nature and you’re gonna get a shock eventually.  Despite the mutual love and deep respect between man and beast, the fact remains: Sometimes they bite you.

Novelty and improvement are strange bedfellows.  Most of the time you get one or the other. And improvement might just mean a bump in short term revenue or stock price bump.  A new AND better experience for you?  Those are the rare ones.  Here’s some new things we’ve seen lately. You decide what kind of an improvement they are.

Come with us as we explore this through-line in both the figurative and literal senses, touching on topics like new car sales, market trends, and the imminent demise of a storied designer’s latest attempt at branding. And who remembers the Plymouth Prowler?

When you’ve got an illuminated 7-foot-tall middle finger on a pole, it’s pretty clear.  The main issue is a denied building permit, but the giant obscene gesture? Totally allowed. The State can’t stop it.  It’s been there since 2018, and it’s probably not what Vermont legislator Ted Riehle had in mind when he pushed through the state’s billboard ban 55 years ago. The Finger’s not a billboard, and it doesn’t advertise anything. But it is a sign. Of unintended consequences.

We're back after a short break... and Ron has been working on his cars! We also talk about Pikes Peak and I've got a new show to tell you all about as well.

Hey, we talk about actual automotive news in this one! On the list of things we cover, we've got the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor, Hyundai N Vision 74 Concept, Toyota Tacoma about to be revealed, Lamborghini Sterrato, and an R34 Nissan Skyline that sold for crazy money.

Ron and I wander through a few fresh auction results from Bring-A-Trailer. We discuss Ron's potential switch-up of his automotive objects of desire. I tease a new project. Then we dive into your questions. Links from the show: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1967-ford-mustang-fastback-140/ https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1984-500sl-mini-go-kart-by-lorinser/ https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2007-honda-element-20/ https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2002-mercedes-benz-sl500-silver-arrow-70/ https://bringatrailer.com/listing/hoonigan-modified-2000-ford-f-150-37/

We get right into it... I sold the Jag. My 1986 Jaguar XJ6 with the Chevy V8 swap was offered for sale on Cars and Bids, and the auction result was awesome. The car has now traded hands and my garage is empty for the time being. It's time to focus on the Montero and maybe finally get the Mercedes wagon up and running. After we talk about the Jag, we move into the Instagram questions.

Our guest today is Patrick Costello. He's a television producer that's handled a lot of automotive content, including Top Gear USA. His most recent project, however, is the new show Rennervations. This is a build show on Disney+ with big ambitions and it's hosted by Jeremy Renner.

Ron and I talk about: The Dodge Demon 170 Genesis G90 E-Supercharged Mercedes EQS SUV Ron talks about his work trip, I give quick updates on the Jag and the Montero, and then we dive into Instagram questions.

In this episode, we talk about the Audi RS E-Tron GT Project_315/2, Paul Newman's wagon on Bring-A-Trailer, and the upcoming Lamborghini Aventador replacement. After that, we chat about Ron's Lincoln plans and what's going on with my Jaguar and my Montero. Finally, we get to the latest batch of Instagram questions.

Ron and I are back after each getting a bit under the weather the last few weeks. In this episode, we talk about Hellcat theft, Z06 prices not hitting reserves, and Porsche action in California. After that, I talk about the Montero and the Jag before we answer your questions.

Project cars are never done and they're rarely easy, right? This week Jeff talks about the issues he's sorting out on the Jag before it heads over to the smog shop. And out of nowhere, the Montero alternator died in the middle of a drive. Ron is also having issues sorting out minor issues on a project Porsche he helped manage for a friend. After that we talk briefly about the Tesla news related to the recall, then dive into your questions.

Ron tells us all about the 2nd NASCAR Clash at the Coliseum. We take a look at some recent new car news. I talk about my time with the Kia EV6 GT and the Volvo V60 Polestar. And then we answer some of your questions

I... forgot to post this one. Oops! In it, Ron and I discuss some recent car flipping failures that could be a sign that the market is normalizing. Who knows for sure though... (Not us, that's for damn sure!)

We're back after a holiday break, and we have to talk a little bit about the tragic loss that happened while we were away. RIP KB43. After that, we chat a bit about what we did over the break and then dive into some great questions from all of you.

Ron and Jeff talk about the new Ford Lightning electric pickup truck. Then we chat about our own cars before diving into your questions from Instagram.

Ron tries to guess the sale prices from the recent RM Sotheby's Miami auction. Jeff talks about driving the GR Corolla Morizo and the GMC Hummer EV. Then the pair take on some questions from Instagram.

Ron and Jeff kick things off by talking about.. Lasik eye surgery? Yes, but then move on to the GR Corolla, their own cars, and then your questions.

Ron just got back from SEMA so we have to hear about what was cool... and not so cool, from the Las Vegas show.

Ron and Jeff talk about the Electrikhana, the 24 Hours of Lemons, and then answer viewer/listener questions

Ron and I talk about:   The Hoonigan Indy Car truck  24 Hours of Lemons at Buttonwillow  Camping in the Montero  Then we get to the questions   Follow the two gents we mentioned in this episode:  https://www.instagram.com/kevc2002/  https://www.instagram.com/jd2rs/

It was a quick trip to Nashville, which didn't actually allow for any recording, so the Solo Question Time episode happens from home. In this one, I answer the twitter and Instagram questions before letting you know about our latest t-shirt from Blipshift!

We had a technical hiccup in this episode, but we got it sorted. We started recording one night and had to finish the next, but we got through it and discovered that the Pantera takes what it wants... In episode 346, we talk about: Auction Action, good and bad The recent Z06 drag strip numbers Mercedes going with a hybrid setup for the new C63 Then we get to the questions.

Ron and Jeff chat about the state of the Montero, how the Jag has been torturous as of late, and tease the upcoming chats about 24 Hours of Lemons Buttonwillow and the 2022 Land Rover TReK. Then we dive into some of your questions.

Ron and Jeff talk about: the 2024 Ford Mustang the Ford Bronco Raptor Ron's Porsche project which is almost done Jeff's Montero and Jaguar highs and lows Then they get to your Twitter and Instagram questions

Today, on a solo episode; I  cover: Jeep's electrification plans Ford's upcoming 7th Gen Mustang The Montero and the Jag YOUR questions from Instagram

It's been a bit, but we're back after - let's call it a summer break - Ron and Jeff are here to talk a bit about Monterey Car Week, our own cars, and then get to your questions.

I jump in with a solo episode to do a quick recap on Autopia2099 plus my drive up there and back in a Porsche Taycan GTS. After that I take a bunch of questions.

In this episode, we go with the flow... and wind up meandering through diatribes about the R8, our own cars, and eventually the Honda Civic Type R.

Did you hear automakers are considering charging monthly fees for certain features? BMW is in the news for testing this out in a handful of markets. We think it's insane.

Let's walk through some auction insanity... we're looking at a 1991 Toyota Land Cruiser, a 1967 Porsche 911S Targa, a trio of BMW project cars, an LS3 Business Coupe, a 572-powered Corvette wagon, a 2005 Porsche 911 Carrera S, a 1965 Chevy Impala, and a 1984 Camaro Z28. Then we move on to your questions.

Ron and Jeff sit down to talk about a few project cars or race cars; the Hoonipig, the Stanceworks Ferrari, and a 2004 Lexus LX470 one of us should've purchased. After that, we discuss road trips, Autopia2099, and the upcoming LeMons race at Buttonwillow. Finally, we get to the questions.

Friend of the show Daniel Cudmore joins host Jeff Glucker to chat about car problems for the taller gents, life as an actor, cars in general, and then the pair dive into some car questions.

Ron and Jeff are back in action and we're rolling right into some auction results from Bring-A-Trailer. We've got three gross results, and three great results. On the gross side, we have a 1968 Camaro, 1990 Honda CRX, and a 1969 Chevy K5 Blazer. The good results feature a 1999 Chevy Suburban, a 1964 Dodge Polara, and a 1989 Ford Mustang. After digging through those, we answer your questions, talk about some recent press car action, and get an update on the Speakeasy.